Liverpool to Cardiff train with Transport for Wales

Thu 08 Oct
+ Add return
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
Transport for Wales
CrossCountry
West Midlands Trains
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Liverpool to Cardiff

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 08 Oct

Cheapest price on 08 Oct

£33

Average ticket price on 08 Oct

£48

Fastest journey on 08 Oct

3 h 28 m

Average journey duration on 08 Oct

3 h 32 m

Trains on 08 Oct

10

Distance

215 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff will cost around £48 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £33.

Fast trains

To travel from Liverpool to Cardiff you need to make at least one change.

  • Transport for WalesG38877+West Midlands TrainsC16934
    11:123h32
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    14:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £331One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38880+West Midlands TrainsC16944
    13:123h34
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    16:46Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £331One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38874+West Midlands TrainsC16929
    10:123h41
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    13:53Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38870+West Midlands TrainsC16920
    8:103h28
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    11:38Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £401One-way
    1 change
  • Transport for WalesG38873+West Midlands TrainsC16925
    9:123h32
    Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
    12:44Cardiff Central (CDF)
    £401One-way
    1 change

Journey information

Overview: Train from Liverpool to Cardiff

United KingdomUnited Kingdom
United KingdomUnited Kingdom
Icon of train

Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £29 but you can travel from only £14 by coach.

The earliest train runs at 03:18, the last at 23:34. The fastest train covers the 215 km distance in 3h 1m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14
Distance
215 km
Average train duration
3h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
£29
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
3h 1m
First train
3:18
Last train
23:34
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Fri
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
21 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £14

Live departures

Liverpool to Cardiff train times

The table below shows live departures for Liverpool to Cardiff trains for tomorrow, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
West Midlands TrainsC16920+Transport for WalesG388708:10 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h28
11:38 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16925+Transport for WalesG388739:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h32
12:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38921+Mersey RailC079359:31 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h44
13:15 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16929+Transport for WalesG3887410:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h41
13:53 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16934+Transport for WalesG3887711:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h32
14:44 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38925+Mersey RailC0795111:31 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h47
15:18 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16939+CrossCountryG0111312:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
4h13
16:25 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16939+Transport for WalesG3887812:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h33
15:45 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
West Midlands TrainsC16944+Transport for WalesG3888013:12 Liverpool Lime Street (LIV)
3h34
16:46 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change
Transport for WalesG38927+Mersey RailC0796713:31 Liverpool James Street (LVJ)
3h46
17:17 Cardiff Central (CDF)1 change

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book Liverpool to Cardiff trains with Omio?

CrossCountry as well as West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales and more offer trains services from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio vs CrossCountry?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for CrossCountry, but also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare CrossCountry with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast or Transport for Wales to find the best option for your trip from Liverpool to Cardiff.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Liverpool to Cardiff.

Train companies: Transport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast from Liverpool to Cardiff trainsTransport for Wales, CrossCountry, West Midlands Trains, Avanti West Coast trains will get you between Liverpool and Cardiff from £14. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Transport for Wales

About
Transport for Wales is a public transport provider in Wales, UK. It operates a comprehensive network of trains, buses and ferries across the country. The trains are modern and comfortable, with a range of different types including InterCity Express Trains, Regional Trains, and Metro Trains. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a range of food and drink options. There are a variety of ticket types available, including single and return tickets, season tickets, and group tickets. The most popular routes include Cardiff to Swansea, Cardiff to Newport, and Cardiff to Manchester.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Transport for Wales Duration
3h 1m
Cheapest Transport for Wales Price
£29
Transport for Wales frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 large items of luggage and 1 small hand luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at end of carriages, under seats
Cancellation Policy
Refund policy depends on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service on most routes with snacks and drinks. Some stations have cafes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations recommended but not mandatory. Free of charge when booking tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating, assistance service available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs allowed with ticket (£5 per day). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

CrossCountry

About
CrossCountry is a fast-speed train operator in the United Kingdom, offering both express and regional services across the country. Express services, such as the CrossCountry Voyager and XC Trains, provide quick and comfortable journeys with amenities like free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a selection of snacks and drinks. Regional services, including the CrossCountry Regional and Regional Express, make more local stops for a leisurely trip. Ticket options include Standard Class and First Class, as well as Advance, Anytime, and Off-Peak fares to suit different budgets and schedules. Popular routes include London to Birmingham, Manchester to Edinburgh, and Bristol to Reading.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average CrossCountry Duration
3h 6m
Cheapest CrossCountry Price
£35
CrossCountry frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and luggage storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Refund policies vary by ticket type
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone

West Midlands Trains

About
West Midlands Trains is a train operator based in the United Kingdom, providing services across the West Midlands region. It operates a variety of train types, including the Class 350 Desiro, Class 323 Electrostar, Class 170 Turbostar, and Class 172 Turbostar. These trains offer a range of onboard facilities, such as free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and air conditioning. Passengers can purchase a range of tickets, including single, return, and season tickets. The most popular routes operated by West Midlands Trains include Birmingham to London Euston, Birmingham to Wolverhampton, and Birmingham to Coventry.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average West Midlands Trains Duration
3h 19m
Cheapest West Midlands Trains Price
£44
West Midlands Trains frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund if service canceled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Trolley service with drinks and snacks on some routes
Seat reservation
Seat reservations available for an additional fee
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, ramps for boarding, priority seating
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Dogs require a ticket at 50% of adult fare. Guide dogs travel free
Quiet zone

Avanti West Coast

About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Avanti West Coast Duration
3h 25m
Cheapest Avanti West Coast Price
£107
Avanti West Coast frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Cardiff

Things to do in Cardiff

Discover the best of Cardiff — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Cardiff trip today.

  • Must visit

National Museum Cardiff

National museum with art, natural history and geology collections, plus Impressionist works and changing exhibitions in Cathays Park.

  • Must visit

St Fagans National Museum of History

Open-air museum of Welsh life with historic buildings, crafts, gardens and rural traditions relocated to spacious grounds west of the city.

  • Recommended

Museum of Cardiff

Museum in a Victorian library celebrating Cardiff’s story through interactive displays, local history and a well-presented city timeline.

Pound sterling (£)

Moderate for a UK city. Hotels and dining are usually cheaper than London, while local transport and casual meals stay fairly manageable for most visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
£8-15 for fast food or a simple meal.
Mid-range
£18-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
£60+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
£3-4.50 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Service may be included in restaurants; if not, 10-12.5% is usual for good service. Round up taxi fares. Tipping in cafés is optional, usually small change or rounding up.

Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff

There are no direct trains from Liverpool to Cardiff but frequent indirect services, requiring a change at Birmingham New Street. The schedule begins with an East Midlands train departure from Liverpool at around 6:30 a.m. connecting with a CrossCountry train service at Birmingham. There are connections roughly every half hour throughout the day until the final departure just after 8:00 p.m. Most journeys take just under four hours.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from Liverpool to Cardiff?

Departure Station: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff depart from central Liverpool Lime Street station which is around five minutes on foot from the city's bus station on Roe Street. There are regular connections around the city centre on the bus routes C4 and C5. Taxis are available from the station ranks on Skelhorne Street and Lord Nelson Street.

Arrival Station: Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff arrive at Cardiff Central Station located on the banks of the river Taff, on the south-west edge of the city centre. Public transport options include city buses available from the nearby interchange on Wood Street. The station taxi rank is to the right of the exit.

FAQs: Liverpool to Cardiff train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Liverpool to Cardiff by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Cardiff, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Liverpool to Cardiff can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £29, while the average price tends to be around £74.
The train journey from Liverpool to Cardiff covers a distance of 215 km and takes approximately 3h 1m. Trains run 7 per day.
The train distance from Liverpool to Cardiff is 215 km.
The first train from Liverpool to Cardiff leaves at 3:18.
The last train from Liverpool to Cardiff departs at 23:34.
Trains from Liverpool to Cardiff run approximately 7 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Liverpool to Cardiff.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Liverpool to Cardiff.
There is no night train service from Liverpool to Cardiff.
The train station in Liverpool that goes to Cardiff is Liverpool Lime Street (LIV), and it arrives at Cardiff Central (CDF).
Booking trains from Liverpool to Cardiff in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Liverpool to Cardiff offers a mix of urban and rural landscapes, showcasing the rolling hills of Wales and scenic countryside views, particularly as it approaches the Welsh border and travels through the picturesque areas of Cheshire and Shropshire.
Yes, you can take the train from Liverpool to Cardiff.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Liverpool and Cardiff

Most Liverpool to Cardiff trains use the Liverpool Lime Street to Cardiff Central station pair, with some services arriving at Cardiff Queen Street. Use this guide to compare Liverpool and Cardiff train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Liverpool
Arrival train stations in Cardiff
Liverpool Lime StreetLime St, Liverpool L1 1JD, United Kingdom+44 3457114141WifiLockersShoppingParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLoungeLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool Lime Street from Liverpool city centre

Suburban train linesWirral Line (green)
Bus lines9, 10, 61, 82, 79, 86C, 500
Train linesNorthern, West Midlands, TransPennine Express, East Midlands, Avanti West Coast, Transport for Wales, London Northwestern
Location for Rail Replacement ServicesRail replacement services depart at the Bus stop on Skelhorne Street, near the Tesco Express. L3 5GA.

Liverpool Lime Street train station facilities and services

Liverpool Lime Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food options include: Caffè Nero, Costa Coffee, Upper Crust, Starbucks, JD Wetherspoon

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free public Wi-Fi available. ATMs are located near Platform 7.

Tickets and information

The ticket office is open Mon - Sat: 05:00 - 23:38, Sun: 07:15 - 23:05. Information desks are located in the main concourse.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is the Excess Baggage Co. lockers and staffed luggage storage counter are located in the main concourse near the escalators across from Platform 6. Open daily 08:00 to 21:00. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool Lime Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Lime Street: Full wheelchair access throughout the station, with help points at the Skelhorne Street entrance and at customer information desk in the main concourse.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Pembroke Studios, Riley’s Rooms, Holiday Inn Liverpool City Center.

Liverpool James StreetLiverpool James Street station, James Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L2 7PQWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool James Street from Liverpool city centre

Liverpool James Street is 1 km from Liverpool city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainWest Kirby - West Kirby, Chester - Chester, Hooton - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Birkenhead Hamilton Square, Rock Ferry - West Kirby, Rock Ferry - Ellesmere Port, Ellesmere Port - Ellesmere Port, New Brighton - New Brighton, Moorfields - Chester, Ellesmere Port - Chester, Hooton - Ellesmere Port, Birkenhead Hamilton Square - West Kirby · 3m · £0.89 · every ~22 min
Bus10A · 8m · £4 · every ~25 min
838 · 13m

Liverpool James Street train station facilities and services

Liverpool James Street has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Liverpool James Street.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool James Street. ATMs are available at Liverpool James Street.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool James Street. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool James Street: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool James Street: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool James Street: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform”The Ticket Office is step free via James Street only and platforms can be accessed via lifts, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: No, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: Yes.

Liverpool CentralLiverpool Central station, Ranelagh Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L1 1JTWifiShoppingParkingDiningATMAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Liverpool Central from Liverpool city centre

BusN1 · 21m · £4
City Explorer 101 · 32m · every ~3 min

Liverpool Central train station facilities and services

Liverpool Central has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Shopping, Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.

Food and drink

Food and drink options are available at Liverpool Central.

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Wi-Fi is available at Liverpool Central. ATMs are available at Liverpool Central.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Liverpool Central. Information desks are information available from staff: Yes - from help point,Yes - from ticket office, Helpline Contact: 0151 555 1111, Passenger Information Systems: Departure screens, Announcements, Arrival screens.

Luggage and lost property

Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Liverpool Central: Parking, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Liverpool Central: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Liverpool Central: Staff help available: Yes, Step free access coverage: Yes, Step free access note: Category A: “This station has step free access to all platforms / the platform” All platforms can be accessed via lift, Accessible ticket machines: There are no accessible ticket machines at this station, Accessible toilets: Yes, Ramp for train access: Yes, Wheelchairs available: Yes, Impaired mobility set down / pick up points available: No.

More options for your journey from Liverpool to Cardiff

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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